Feed-water regulator.



PATENTED JUNE 16, 1903.

N .Mmvmk R. LRARMUNTR. FERR WATER REGULATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAB.. 5, 1903.

H0 MODEL.

f |11 E l?) 6 .l

1illflllilllllvllllillllllll mvzegs, v

PATENTED JUNE 16, 1903'.

E. LEAEMONTE. EEED WATER REGULATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAB.. 5, 1903.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2. Y

No. 'r31,191.

UNITED STATES Patented June 16, 1903.

` PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT LEARMONTH, OF BUFFALO, NEIV YORK.

FEED-WATER REGULATOR.

SPECIFICATION formingpart 0f Letters Patent NQ.v 731,191, dated June 16, 1903. Application filed March 5,1903. Serial No. 146,262. (No model.)

To all whom 712 worry concern.'

Be it known that I, ROBERT LEARMONTH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of New York,have invented new and useful Improvements in Feed-Water Regulators,of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to that class of feedwater regulators in which the water-supply is primarily controlled by a thermostatic tube which communicates with the Water and steam spaces of the boiler and which controls a valve connected with the water-supply.

One of the objects of this invention is to produce a feed-Water regulator of this character which is simple and inexpensive in construction, reliable in operation, and not liable to get out of order.

Another object of this invention is to so organize the regulator that the same can be used for automatically opening or closing a valve arranged in the Water-supply pipe of a system in which-the water-supply permits of being interrupted, or the same can be used for opening and closing a valve arranged inv a waste-pipe connected with the supply-pipe in a system in which itis desirable to keep the water-supply pump const-antly in operation.

y invention has the further object to improve the construction of the feed-water-regulating valve in several respects.

In the accompanying drawings, consisting of tWo sheets, Figure l is a vertical longitudinal section of my improved feed-Water regulator applied to a boiler having a water-supply which can be interrupted. Figs. 2 and 3 are fragmentary horizontal sections in lines 2 2 and 3 3, Fig. 1, respectively. Fig. 4 is a horizontal section of the diaphragm-motor for actuating the regulating-valve, the section be,

ing taken in line 4 4, Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of the socket-disk which is secured to the upper end ofthe regulating-valve piston. Fig. 6 is a perspective View of one of the plates for bridging the joint between the regulating-valve piston and the bottom of the diaphragm-chamber. Fig. 7 is a vertical longitudinal section' of the vent-valve and connecting parts on an enlarged scale. Fig. 8 is a vertical longitudinal section of my improved feed-Water regulator applied to a system in which the water-supply is constant.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Referring to Figs. 1 to 7, A 'represents a steam-boilerofanysuitable construction, and

B a pipe connecting the lower'part or waterspace of the boiler with a Water-supply which permits of being interrupted. The How of Water through this pipe into the boiler is controlled by a regulating-valve consisting of a .I

struction, but preferably consists of a diz.-vv phragm-chamber E, connected by a standard e with the valve-casing and provided in its bottom With a vertical cylinder e', a piston F, sliding vertically in said cylinder and connected With the upper end of the rod D, and a ieXible diaphragm E, arranged between the top and bottom 0f the chamber and adapted to be pressed downwardly against the top of the piston for closing the valve by means 'of aA pressure 'fluid entering an inlet in the top ot' the diaphragm-chamber. AThe opening of the valve is eiected bya lever G, pivoted on the standard e and having one ot' its arms pivotally connected with the valve-rod, while its opposite arm is provided with an adjustable weighty. This means of opening the valve is superior to a spring, because the weight always acts positively and isnot liable to give out, like .a spring. Moreover, the effect of the lever may be varied by adjusting the Weight toward or from the fulcrum thereof, and by observing the movement of the Weight-levert-he same serves as an indicator, which permits of determining how the regulating-valve is Working.

It has been found in practice that the dexible diaphragm wears rapidly by being pressed against the upper edges of the piston and cylinder. In order to obviate this result, the

joint between the piston and cylinder is .bridged by an annular series of plates II,y which support the diaphragm at said joint. These plates have the form of segments and CIO ' preferably of metal, which readily expands bear closely against one another at their sides. Each of the supporting-plates is pivotally connected at its inner end with the upper end of the piston, while its outer end is tapered and rests loosely on the bottom of the diaphragm-chamber. The pivotal connection between the piston and the plates may be produced in various ways. ln the preferred form (shown in Figs. l, 4L, 5, and 6) this connection consists of anl annular channel or groove t', formed in the upper end of the piston adjacent to the margin or periphery thereof, a fastening plate or disk I, secured to the top of the piston by screws t" and having a marginal channel or groove i2 on its under side, which faces the channel in the piston, and knuckles h, arranged on the inner end of the supporting-plates and engaging loosely With the annular socket formed by the opposing channels of the piston and fasteningplate. The knuckles are preferably cylindrical, and the annular socket receiving the saine is somewhat more than semicircular in cross-section and corresponds to said knuckles, whereby the latter are conned in said socket and the supporting-plates Vare prevented from becoming displaced.

The admission of pressure fluid into the diaphragm-cham ber is controlled for causing the same to close the regulating-valve or to permit the same to be opened by a thermostatic device which is constructed as follows:

J represents a fluid-pressure pipe or conduit connecting the steam-space of the boiler with the upper part of the diaphragm-chamber and containing a hand valve j. Between the valve j and the diaphragm-motor the conduit J is connected with the atmosphere by a Vvent-passage or branch conduit formedpartly by a pipe 7c and partly by a valve-casing 7o. Within the latter are formed a valve-chamber L and two opposing valveseatsZ Z', arranged on the inner and outer ends of the valve-chamber, respectively.

M represents a vent-valve arranged in the valve-chamber and adapted to move toward either seat i l for closing the vent-passage. This valve is mounted on a stem or rod m,

' which slides through a stuffing-box m' on the outer end of the vent-valve casing. When the vent-valve is closed, the full pressure of the steam is exerted against the top of the diaphragm, and the latter depresses the piston and closes the regulating-valve. When the vent-Valve is opened, the steam in the pressure-pipe J is allowed to escape to the atmosphere,thereby relieving the pressure upon the diaphragm and permitting the regulati ing-valve to be opened by the weighted lever aided by the pressure of the water-supply underneath the regulating-valve.

N represents a horizon tal thermostatic tube,

and contracts lengthwise under the effects of heatl and cold and furnishes the motion for operating the vent-valve. At its inner or fixed end the tube is connected with a fixed or rigid supportinghead n, containing a chamber which is connected at its lower end with the Water-space of the boiler by a pipe n', while its upper end is connectedby a pipe 'n2 with the steam-space of the boiler. The thermostatic tube is located horizontally in line with the normal water-level which is to be maintained in' the boiler. As the water rises in the boiler to the normal level it also enters the tube and causes the same to contract, owing to the cooling edect of the water. When the water in the boiler is lowered by evaporation or otherwise, the water runs out of the tube and is replaced by steam from the boiler, causing the tube to expand by reason of the heat of the steam. In order to prevent the water from being trapped or caught in the tube and interfering with its free expansion and contraction, the outer end of the tube is connected with the steam-space at a point above the inner or fixed end ofthe tube. This is preferably edected by an inc lined equalizing-pipe o, connected at its elevated inner end with the chamber of the supporting-head above the tube and connected at its outer end with a cap o', attached to the outer end of the thermostatic tube, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and As the water enters the tube the steam is driven from the tube at both ends thereof. As the level of the water descends the same runs out of the tube from its outer end toward its inner end, this movement of the water being permitted by the steam entering the outer end of the tube as the water recedes.` In the absence of any provision for replacing the waterin the outer end of the tube with steam this water would be held in the tube by the steam-pressure, and thus defeat any lengthening or shortening effect of the tu be.

The casing of the Vent-valve is arranged adjacent to the xed end of the thermostatic tube and is preferably formed in one piece with the supporting-head above the tube, as shown Ain Fig. l. The longitudinal movement of the tube due to contraction and expansion is transmitted to the vent-valve by means of a transmitting -lever P, pivoted transversely by a pin p on the outer cap of the tube, and upper and lower connectingbars Q R, arranged lengthwise on opposite sides of the tube. The upper bar is connected at opposite ends with the upper artn of the transmitting-lever and with the ventvalve rod, and the other bar is pivotally connected'with the lower arm of said lever and a fixed support preferably formed on the supporting-head n. During the expansion and contraction of the thermostatic tube the transverse lever is caused to turn at its lower end, because the lower bar connects the same with a fixed support and serves as a fulcrum therefor, thereby causing the entire effective movement of the lever to take place at its upper end, which is connected by the upper shifting bar with the vent-valve.

When the boiler is filled with water to the TOO TIO

,which runs lengthwise.

normal height, the thermostatic tube is also filled with water and contracted, whereby the transmitting-lever and shifting bar are moved inwardly, and the vent-valve is drawn against the inner seatlof the valve-chamber, thereby closing the vent-passage and causing the water-regulating valve to be closed by the s1 eampressure. Whenthetubeexpandsandmoves the lever and upper bar outwardly, the ventvalve is opened, causing the steam-pressure on the water-regulating valve to be relieved, so that this valve opens and admits water to the boiler.

Inasmuch as the longitudinal extension or contraction of the thermostatic tube is inconsiderable, it is necessaryto multiply the eX- tent of this movement, so that the same can be ein ployed effectively for opening and closing the vent-valve. This is accomplished by pivotally connecting the tube and transmitting-lever below the middle of the latter and as near the fulcrum of the same as possible. In order to obtain the full effect of the thermostatic tube, the shifting and fulcrurn bars should be so constructed that they remain practically unaffected by changes in temperature and be incapable of longitudinal extension or contraction; otherwisey the movement of the tube would be neutralized or counteracted in a measure. For this purpose the bodies of the shitting and fulcrum bars are constructed of wood the grain of As the expansion and contraction of the wood in the direction of its grain is not perceptible, the length of the bars is not varied by rising or falling of the Itemperature of the tube, which for convenience and compactness must be necessarily arranged close to the shifting and fulcrum bars. v

To permit of adjusting the vent-valve,- means are provided for shortening or lengthening the connection between the saine and the upper end of the transmitting-lever. As shown in Figs. l and 2, this adjustment is eected by means of ascrew-threaded socket s, arranged on the inner end of the shifting bar and receiving the outer screw-threaded end of the vent-valve rod, a similar socket s', arranged on the outer end of the shifting bar and receiving a screw-threaded rod s2, pivoted on the upper end of the transmittinglevel', and jam or lock nuts S3, arranged on said rods and bearing against the sockets. Upon loosening these nuts and turning the shifting bar or screw-rods one with reference to the other the length of the connection between the vent-valve and the transmittinglever may be varied.

Instead of venting the steam from the pressure-pipe .I directly into the atmosphere the steam is utilized for operating a signal. This signal preferably consists of a whistle T, which is connected with the outlet of the vent-valve casing, so that t-he steam issuing therefrom blows the whistle.

ter in the boiler drops below normal and the Vhen the wa-l whistle is sounded by the opening of the ventvalve, the vattendant is notified, thereby enabling him to determine whether the feedwater regulator is working properly.

If desired, my improved feed-water regu-A l ing a valve which is'opened when the water in the boiler has risen to the normal. level. In Fig. 8, showing my improvement installed in a system of the kind last described, U represents the main water-supply pipe, which connects a constantly operating pump V with the boiler, and W represents a wastepipe connected with the supply-pipe and containing a valve C', which is controlled by a diaphragm-motor in the same manner as the valve c' in the first-described organization.

When the water in the boiler is below normal and steam enters the thermostatic tube, the vent-valve is moved outwardly against the outer seat Z' of its casing, as shown in Fig. S, .thereby causing the steam conducted by pipe J to depress the diaphragm and close the waste-pipe valve Cf, whereby all of the water from the pump V is caused to enter the boiler. When the thermostatic tube cools and contracts by the water rising to normal and entering the same, the vent-valve is moved inwardly from the seat l', thereby opening the vent-passage and relieving the diaphragm from the steam-pressure, whereby the valve C of the waste-pipe is permitted to open and the surplus water is discharged so long as the water in the boiler is at the normal level. By thus providingr the vent-valve casing with seats on opposite sides of the vent-valve it is possiblev to close the vent-passage either by the expansion or contraction of the thermostatic tube, thereby rendering the same apparatus capable of being used in either of the systems described, for supplying feed-water to boilers.

I claim as my inventionl. A feed-water regulator for boilers, coinprising a vregulating-valve, a steam-operated actuating device for said valve, a fixed supporting-head connected with the steam and water spaces of the boiler, a thermostatic tube rigidly connected at one end with said head, a transmitting-lever pivoted on the opposite end of said tube, a conduit connecting the steam-space of the boiler with said actuatingV device and having a vent-passage leading to loo IIO

the atmosphere, a valve-casing arranged adjacent to-said head and forming part of said vent-passage, a vent-valve arranged in said Vcasing and controlling the vent-passage, and` two bars arranged lengthwise onV opposite sides otV saidtube, one ofsaid bars connecting said vent-valve with one arm of said lever while the other bar connects the other arm of said lever with the supportimnghead,y substantially as set forth. V

2. In a feed-water regulator, the combination of a water-supply for a boiler, a regulatin g-valve for said supply, an actuating device for said water-valve operated by steam-pressure, a fixed supporting-head containing a chamber connectedwith the steam and water spaces of the boiler, a thermostatic tube connected at one end with said chamber and free at its opposite end, a transmitting-lever pivf oted on the free end of said tube, a conduit connecting the steam-space of the boiler Wi th said actuating device and having a vent-passage leading to the atmosphere, a valve-casing mounted on said head and forming part of said vent-passage, a vent-valve arranged in said casing and controlling the vent-passage, and two bars arranged lengthwise on opposite sides of said tube, one of said bars connecting said vent-valve with one arm of said lever While the other bar connects the other arm of said lever with the supportinghead, substantially as set forth.

3. In a feed-water regulator, the combination of a Water-supply for a boiler, a regulating-valve for said supply, an actuatingdevice for said Water-valve operated by steam-pressure, a fixed supporting-head containing a chamber connected with the steam and water spaces of the boiler, a thermostatic tube connected' at one end with said chamber and free at its opposite end, a transmitting-lever pivoted on the free end of said tube, a conduit. connecting the steam-space of the boiler with said actuating device and having a vent-passage leading to the atmosphere, a valve-casing mounted on said head and forming part A of said vent-passage, a vent-valve arranged WWW in said casing and Vcontrolling the vent-passage, and two bars arranged lengthwise on opposite sides of said tube, one of said bars connecting one arm of said lever with the `fixed head while the other bar is adj ustably connected with the other arm of said lever and said vent-valve, substantially as set forth.

4. In a feed-water regulator, the combina-l tion of awater-supply for a boiler, a regulating-valve for said supply, an actuating device for said water-valve operated by steampressure, a xed supporting-head containing a chamber connected with the steam and wa` ter spaces of the boiler, a thermostatic tube connected at one end with said chamber and free at its opposite end, a transmitting-lever pivoted on the free end of said tube, a conduit connecting the steam-space of the boiler with said actuating device and having a ventpa'ssage leading to the atmosphere, a valvecasing mounted on said head and forming part ,of said vent-passage, a vent-valve arranged in said casing and controlling the vent-passage, a fulcrum-bar arranged lengthwise on one side of said tube and pivotally connected at its opposite end with the fixed 'one of said sockets and pivotally connected with the other arm of said lever, and a screwrod engaging with the other socket and connected with the vent-valve, substantially as set forth.

5. The combination of a regulating-valve, an actuating device for closing said valve operated by fluid-pressu re, a thermostatic tube having one of its ends fixed while its opposite end is free, a conduit for conducting a pressure fluid to said actuating device having a vent-passage leading to the atmosphere, a valve-casing forming part .of said vent-passage and having two opposing valve-seats, a vent-valve arranged between said seats and capable of closing the vent-passage by moving against either seat, and means for transmitting the movement of said tube to said vent-valve, substantially as set forth.

6. In a feed-Water regulator, the combination of a water-supply-for a boiler, a regulating-valve for said Water-supply, an actuating device for closing said valve operated by fluidpressure, a thermostatic tube connected with thesteam and Water spaces of the boiler and having one of its ends fixed while its opposite end is free, a transmitting-lever pivoted on the free end of said tube, a conduit for conducting a pressure fluid to said actuating devicehaving a vent-passage leading to the atmosphere, a valve-casing forming part of said vent-passage and having two opposing IOO valve-seats, a vent-valve arranged between said seats and capable of closing the ventpassage by moving against either seat, and means for transmitting the movement of said lever to ysaid vent-valve, substantially as set forth.

7. In a feed-water regulator, the combination of a water-supply for a boiler, a regulating-valve for said water-supply, an actuating device for closing said valve operated by iiuidpressure, a thermostatic tube connected with the steam and water spaces of the boiler and having one of itsv ends fixed while its opposite end is free, a transmitting-lever pivoted on the free end of said tube, a conduit for conducting a pressure fluid to said actuating device having a vent-passage leading to the atmosphere, a valve-casing forming part of said vent-passage and having two opposing valveseats, a vent-valve arranged between saidy IIO tion of a water-supply for a boiler, a regulating-valve for said Water-supply, an actuating device for closing said valve operated by duid-pressure, a thermostatic tube connected with the steam and water spaces of the boiler and having one of its ends xed while its opposite end is free, a transmitting-lever pivoted onthe free end of said tube, a conduit for conducting a pressure fluid to said actuating device having a vent-passage leading to the atmosphere, a whistle connected with the 'vent-passage, a vent-valve controlling the vent-passage, and means for operating the vent-valve by the movement ofsaid tube, substantially as set forth.

9. The combination of a regulating-valve, an actuating device for closing said valve operated by fluid-pressure, a thermostatic tube having one of its ends fixed while its opposite end is free, a conduit for conducting a pressure fluid to said actuating device having a vent-passage leading to the atmosphere, a whistle connected -with the vent-passage, a Vent-valve controlling.,r the ventpassage, and means for operating the vent-valve by the movement of said tube, substantially as set forth.

l0. In a feed-water regulator, the combination of a water-supply for a boiler, a regulating-valve for said water-supply, an actuating device for closing said valve operated by fluid-pressure, a metallic thermostatic tube connected with' the steam and Water spaces of the boiler and having one of its ends fixed while its opposite end is free, a transmittinglever pivoted on the free end of said tube, a vent-Valve for controlling the pressure fiuid to said actuating device arranged adjacent to the fixed end of said tube, and two longitudinally grained wooden bars arranged lengthwise on opposite sides of said tube, one of the bars being connected at opposite ends with one arm of said lever and with said ventv valve while the other bar is connected at opposite ends with the other arm of said lever and a support adjacent to the fixed end of said tube, substantially as set forth.

ll. The combination of a regulating-valve, an actuating device for closing said valve operated by fluid-pressure, a metallic thermostatic tube having one of its ends fixed while its opposite end is free, a transmitting-lever pivoted on the free end of said tube, a ventvalve for controlling the pressure fluid to said actuating device arranged adjacent to the fixed end of said tube, and two transmitting-bars constructed of wood and arranged lengthwise ou opposite sides of said tube, one of the bars being connected at opposite ends with one arm of said lever and with said Vent-valve while the other bar is connected at opposite ends with the other arm of' said lever and a support adjacent to the fixed end of said tube, substantially as set forth.

12. In a feed-water regulator, the combination oi a water-supply for a boiler, a regulating-valve for said supply, an actuating device for said valve operated by steam-pressure, a fixed supporting-head containing a chamber connected with the steam and water spaces of the boiler, a horizontal thermostatic tube connected at its inner end with said chamber and free at its outerend, acap arranged at the outer end of said tube, a transmitting-lever pivoted on said cap, a conduit connecting the steam-space of the` boiler with said actuating device and having a .vent-passage leading to the atmosphere, a valve-casing formed on the supporting-head and-forming part of said vent-passage, a vent-valve arranged in said casing andl controlling said vent-passage, a shifting bar arranged lengthwise on one side of the tube and connected at opposite ends with one arm of said lever and with said ventvalve, a fulcrum-bar arranged lengthwise on the opposite side of said tube and connected at opposite ends with the other arm of said lever and with said head, and an inclined equalizing-pipe connected at its upper end with the chamber in the supporting-head above the thermostatic tube while its lower end is connected withA said cap and communicates with the outer end of' said tube, substantial-ly as set forth.

13. In a feed-water regulator for boilers, the com binatiou of a regulating-valve, an actuating device for said valve operated by steampressure, a fixed supporting-head containing a chamber' connected with the steam and water .spaces of the boiler, a horizontal thermostatic tube connected at its inner end with said chamber and free at its outer end, a transmitting-lever pivoted ou the free end 0f the tube, a conduit connecting the steamspace of the boiler with said actuating device and having a vent-passage leading to the atmosphere, a valve-casing arranged adjacent tothe supporting-head and forming part of said vent-passage, a vent-valve arranged in said casing and controlling said vent-passage, a shifting bar arranged lengthwise on one side ofthe tube and connected at opposite ends with one arm of said lever and with said ventvalve, a fulcrum-bar arranged lengthwise ou the opposite side of said tube and connected at opposite ends with the other arm of said lever and with said head, and an inclined equalizing-pipe connected at its upper end with the chamber in the supportinghead above the thermostatic Vtube while its lower end-is connected with the outer end of.

said tube, substantially as set forth.

14. In a feed-water-regulating valve, the combination of a valve-casing havinga valveseat, a valve movable toward and from said seat, a diaphragm-chamber having a cylinder in its bottom and a pressure-fluid inlet in its top, a piston arranged in said cylinder and connected with 'said Valve, a iiexible diaphragm arranged in said chamber between the top and bottom thereof, and an annular series of supporting-plates resting' at their IOO IIO

fg' v v 731,191

inner and outer ends on the piston and the bottom of said chamber, substantially as set forth.

15. ln a feed-Water-regulating valve, the combination of a valve-casing having a Valve- Seat, a Valve movable toward and from said seat, a diaphragm-chamber having a cylinder in its bottom and a pressure-duid inlet in its top, a piston arranged in said cylinder and connected with said valve, a flexible diaphragm arranged in said chamber between the top and bottom thereof, and an annular series of supporting-plates each of which is pivotally connected at its inner end With said piston and rests at its outer end on the bottom of the chamber, substantially as set forth.

16. In a feed-water-regulating valve, the combination of a valve-casing having a valveseat, a valve movable toward and from said seat, a diaphragm-chamber having a cylinder in itz` bottom and a pressure-fluid inlet in its top, a piston arranged in said cylinder and connected on its under side with said valve nel which faces the channel in the piston and forms with the same an annular socket, and an annular series of supporting-plates which bridge the joint between the piston and the diaphragm-cham ber and each of which is provided at its inner end with a knuckle turning in said socket and resting at its outer end on the bottom of the diaphragm, substantially as set forth.

17. ln a feed-water-regulating valve, the

combination of a valve-casing provided with ROBERT LEARMONTH.

Witnesses:

THEO. L. POPP, EMMA M. GRAHAM. 

